Just Right

I have a name that will endure for a thousand autumns, renowned throughout the literary world, with a heart that serves all and the power to protect.

I have bold ambitions, clear as day, and stand in the halls of government, carrying forward the will of the sages and blazing a trail for generations to come.

Yu, Sage of Shengyuan, Lady Prime Minister Li Xiangyi

When the truth came out, he exposed Li Xiangyi as the daughter of a disgraced minister. The high-ranking official and gifted scholar, once full of confidence, fell into disgrace as a prisoner accused of deceiving the emperor. Yet he still would not let her be.

On a rainy night, dressed in white and holding an umbrella over her to shield her from the falling rain, he said, "Li Xiangyi, the last time I held an umbrella for you, you were just as miserable."

She managed a faint smile. "You're bad luck for me."

"I can hold an umbrella for you, but if you won't stand up on your own, you'll still drown."

Later, Li Xiangyi tore his umbrella apart. "I've learned how to walk through the rain, but are you ready to wade through it with me?"

He raised an eyebrow and smiled. "What is it you want?"

"I am willing to be a piece on the board to bring peace to the imperial court, but I can also take the reins and turn all things into nothing.

Feng Jinxi, you entered this game without the player's permission. Don't imagine you'll walk away unscathed."

"All right. Surely staking my heart on you doesn't break your rules?"

Late the following spring, during a gathering to debate the Way at Shanhuai, Li Xiangyi was attacked by the assembled guests for being the daughter of a disgraced minister. People love nothing more than watching a deity fall and sink into the mire.

At the banquet, the woman in a green robe with ink-black hair smiled faintly. To break through, one must first shatter what is.

"The Lin family is corrupt, and I am ashamed to have been born into it. But living in this world, there are many things we cannot choose for ourselves. The Lin family gave me life. Though it brings me shame, I dare not pretend otherwise.

"In the past, Lin Xianwen sold official posts and titles, causing scholars of that time to die with hatred in their hearts and displaced people on the frontier to suffer in misery.

"Today, I bear the Lin family's bloodline. For the peace of our lands, for a world of peace and clear skies, for scholars everywhere to uphold the Way without being disturbed by wicked influences, and for the splendor of our dynasty to endure throughout history, I dedicate my life to the country and will not falter in the face of danger.

"To give everything for this cause is my honor. If I ever harbor disloyal intentions, let all under heaven bear witness and take my life."

That autumn, a wicked consort brought calamity upon the realm. Ministers were struck down, and the court fell silent with fear.

The court was like a bronze mirror: once shattered, it could not be made whole. Then let them break it and forge it anew.

Because of those words, seven people arrived at Chaotianque, where the meritorious officials of the Yu dynasty were honored. From that moment, a war to save the country began, and flames of battle rose everywhere.

In the seventh year of Hongyuan, in autumn.

The situation was finally under control, and their deeds were recorded in the annals of history.

On the Shangyuan Festival of the first year of Mingde,

Feng Jinxi planted a magnolia tree for Li Xiangyi with his own hands. The two cared for it together.

The following year, Li Xiangyi established a school for women, paving a path to the highest reaches of government for women who held to the Way. She pioneered the education of women for service in government.

From then on, every word and deed of this renowned Master Qinggui was recorded in the history books.

*

An alternate world modeled on the Tang dynasty. The heroine's characterization takes a little inspiration from Shangguan Wan'er.

Thesis: Only the adaptable survive.